US Curriculum Guide 2023-24

Upper School Curriculum Guide 

2023-24

Table of Contents 

MVA Mission Statement.........................................................................................................................................3 

MVA Upper School Overview...............................................................................................................................3 

Graduation Requirements.....................................................................................................................................4 

Sample Four-Year Plan...........................................................................................................................................5 

Department Descriptions and Courses..............................................................................................................6 

2

Mission Statement 

Montverde Academy inspires students to become leaders with a passion for knowledge, global vision and 

innovation while developing character in a nurturing and diverse community. 

Upper School Overview 

Academically, a school thrives when all members of a school community – administrators, teachers and 

parents, are willing to become lifelong learners who inspire the community and focus on the development 

of the whole child. Supporting this notion are four clear and simple principles which resonate throughout 

the Montverde Academy Upper School: 

1. A clear academic structure is essential. The educational blueprint provided inside and outside of 

the classroom needs to be supported by a common vision, strategic plan and an application and/or 

assessment process to measure the growth of the school. 

2. Schools must accommodate the needs of the well-rounded student. This structure must include the 

formation of a student’s character, the promotion of justice, the development of tomorrow’s leaders, 

and a curriculum centered on challenging students to achieve their full potential. Students will be 

motivated to achieve greatness by connecting to the community through service leadership. 

3. Education is 100 percent relational. School communities are more successful when a plan is in place 

to build relationships. Student development is nurtured in the classroom, on the playing fields and 

stage, through the community service activities, and by student leadership opportunities through 

leadership, service and advisement programs. Our educators and staff are dedicated and share their 

genuine love of learning with their students as they get to know them throughout the school year. 

4. The school is only as good as its team of educators. Our instructors believe in the mission of the 

school, are lifelong learners and teachers of the whole child. 

The academic culture at Montverde Academy is centered on the formation of relationships, which creates 

a culture where young people can confidently pursue their passions with a goal of excellence, whether it is 

in academics, athletics or the arts. Students engage in a rigorous but flexible curriculum designed to meet 

the needs of our diverse and driven student body. 

Our curriculum includes more than 30 Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Each year, MVA students are 

recognized each year by the College Board for their high performance on the associated AP exams, which 

consistently exceeds the state and global average. 

This document is intended to serve as a guide for students and families. As you consider the variety 

of courses available at Montverde Academy, we encourage you to discuss opportunities with teachers, 

guidance counselors, administrators, and alumni. As you plan your academic journey, take advantage of 

the opportunity to discover and learn as much as you can. The goal is to design a course of study that is 

personally challenging and interesting to you – a program in which you can be successful and maintain a 

healthy balance with the other passions and responsibilities in your life. 

A look at the academic life in the Upper School will reveal students and staff who are driven by a 

commitment to an excellent academic structure and the development of the well-rounded student. 

CURRICULUM GUIDE 2023-24

Graduation Requirements Grades 9-12 

2023-24 School Year 

The recommended course load at Montverde Academy is designed to provide students with a strong 

academic foundation across a broad range of subjects. Students are encouraged to meet regularly with 

their guidance counselors to ensure they are meeting the requirements of MVA and of their prospective 

colleges or universities. 

Minimum Required Credits 

Recommended Credits 

English 1 4 4 

Mathematics 2 3 (Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II) 4 

Science 3 (Biology - 1 credit) 4 

Social Studies 3 (U.S. History - 1 credit) 4 

World Language 3 2 3 

Physical Education 4 1 1 

Fine//Performing/Media Arts 5 1 1 

Electives 6 7 7 

Community Service 

25 hours per year at MVA; 100 

hours prior to graduation 

1 

Students whose first language is not English must earn a minimum of 3 credits in English, including at least one full credit in 

English I or higher.] NOTE: All Upper School students are required to be enrolled in at least one English course throughout 

each academic year. 

2 

All students are required to take at least three years of mathematics in grades 9-12. 

3 

Students whose first language is English are required to take at least two consecutive years of the same world language in 

grades 9-12. 

4 

Physical Education credits are earned by participating in a team sport, after school activities, or approved outside activities. 

5 

The Fine Arts credit is a requirement beginning with the Class of 2024. 

6 

Montverde Academy students must earn a minimum of 24 credits and satisfy the subject area requirements as specified above. 

Elective credit is awarded for any course that exceeds the minimum graduation requirements. For example, if a student takes a 

fourth math course, that class will be considered an elective credit. Once a student enrolls at Montverde Academy, all credits 

must be earned at the Academy or be approved by the Dean of the Upper School. 

4

Sample Four-Year Plan – College Prep/Honors Track 

Subject 9th Grade 10th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade 

English 

(Refer to the 

English course 

continuum for 

more information) 

English I or 

English I Honors 

English II or 

English II Honors 

English III or 

English III Honors 

English IV or 

English IV Honors 

Social Studies 

World History or 

World History 

Honors 


electives 

U.S. History or 

U.S. History 

Honors 


electives 

Mathematics 

(Refer to math 

continuum for 

further information) 

Algebra I, 

Geometry, or 

Algebra II (each 

offered at the 

College-Prep and 

Honors Level) 

Geometry, Algebra 

II, or Pre-Calculus 

(each offered at 

the College-Prep 

and Honors Level) 

Algebra II, 

Pre-Calculus, 

Advanced Algebra 

& Trigonometry 


& Trigonometry, 

Math for College 

Readiness, or 

Statistics and 

Probability 

Science 

(Refer to science 

continuum for 

further information) 

Biology, Biology 

Honors, or science 

electives 

Chemistry, 

Chemistry Honors, 

or science 

electives 

Science electives 

Science electives 

World Languages 

French I or II 

Spanish I, II or 

Spanish for Native 

and Heritage 

Speakers 

French II or III 

Spanish II, III, or 

Spanish for Native 

and Heritage 

Speakers 

French III or IV 

Spanish III or IV 

French IV 

Spanish IV 


Academic Departments and Course Offerings 

For detailed course descriptions, please visit 

montverde-public.rubiconatlas.org/Atlas/Browse/View/MapCourseDescriptions 

English Department 

It is the English Department’s goal to support the Montverde Academy mission statement and inspire 

students to become analytical readers, critical thinkers, effective writers, and lifelong learners. In our studentcentered 

classrooms, we guide our students to view themselves as critical communicators and help them 

develop their voices so they can become active participants in global, economical, and social issues. 

Throughout our English courses, students are exposed to variety of global literature, including a 

foundational literature and writing focus in English I, a focus on the narrative form in English II, a focus on 

American Literature in English III, and a focus on British Literature in English IV. Across all English courses, 

students participate in the research process, evaluating sources, and presenting their findings in multimodal 

ways. 

The Montverde Academy English Department also offers both AP English Language and AP English 

Literature to qualified 11th and 12th graders. In all levels of English, students are provided opportunities to 

engage in literary, expository, analytical, and argumentative reading and writing that will meet the demands 

of their future in higher education. 

English Course Offerings: 

ESL I, III, III 

Creative Writing 

Creative Nonfiction Honors 

English I 


English II 


English III 


English IV 


Poetry Honors 

Journalism I, II, III 

AP ® English Language and Composition 

AP English Literature and Composition 

6

ESL Course Continuum 

ESL Level I: 

Composition, 

Communications, Literature 

ESL Level II: 

Composition, 


ESL Level III: 

Composition, 


English I 

Creative Writing 

NOTE: When A student earns a SLATE score of 4, he/she is moved into mainstream English. The English 

course is determined by the student’s grade level and proficiency level. 

English Course Continuum 

English I 


English II 

English III 

English IV 




AP English Language 

& Composition 

AP English Literature 

& Composition 

NOTE: Students who earn an A or B in college-prep English may request honors-level English the 

following year. 

Variations in the sequence of courses are common. Students should consult their teachers, advisors, and counselors to determine the courses 

that best meet their academic needs and interests. 


Academic Departments and Course Offerings continued... 



Mathematics Department 

The primary objective of the mathematics program at MVA is to support students as they become 

mathematically-literate citizens who know the appropriate mathematical and technological tools to use and 

know when to use them in various problem-solving settings. Students work in independent, small-group, 

and whole-class settings to increase their mathematical confidence and their communication skills. The 

types of problems and the learning environment in the mathematics classrooms foster persistence, critical 

thinking, and reflection. All courses require students to communicate conceptual understanding (both 

verbally and in written form), justify and explain results, and apply mathematics to real-world situations. 

Mathematics Course Offerings: 

Algebra I 

Algebra II 

Algebra II Honors 

Geometry 

Geometry Honors 

Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry 

Pre-Calculus 

Pre-Calculus Honors 

Math for College Readiness Statistics 

and Probability 

Calculus Honors 

Multivariable Calculus 

Statistics Honors 

AP ® Calculus AB 

AP Calculus BC 

AP Statistics 

8

Mathematics Course Continuum 

Math 6/Course 1 

Pre-Algebra/Course 2 

Algebra I Honors 

Algebra I 

Geometry Honors 

Geometry 

Algebra II Honors 

Algebra II 

Pre-Calculus/Pre-Calulus 

Honors 

Choose from the following: 


and Trigonometry 

Honors Calculus 

AP Calculus A 

Statistics 

AP Statistics 


Math for College Readiness 

Pre-Calculus 




10




Science Department 

The goal of science is to understand the universe and how it works. Science is a process and not a static 

collection of facts. The objective of the science program is to foster a love of science and help students to 

understand the process of science. The aim is for students to grow in science knowledge, learn to critically 

analyze and interpret data, and to be observers in the world. 

In science classes, students will experience science firsthand through experimentation and inquiry, 

collaboration, and discussion. The goal is for students to leave their science classes with a greater 

understanding of science concepts, enhanced critical thinking skills, and preparation for college and 

career. Through many and varied course offerings, students can explore an interest in biology, engineering, 

chemistry, physics, or the environment. 

Students interested in further growth and knowledge in the sciences have many opportunities within the 

STEM SAC program to connect with scientists, conduct independent research, and collaborate with other 

science students outside the classroom experience. 

Science electives are subject to change based upon student interest and teaching availabilitiy. Contact the 

science department chair if you have questions. 

Science Course Offerings: 

Aerospace Engineering 

Anatomy and Physiology Honors 

Architectural Engineering 

Biochemistry Honors (.5 credit) 

Biology 

Biology Honors 

Chemistry 

Chemistry Honors 

Civil Engineering 

Digital Electronics 

Engineering Essentials 

Environmental Geogology 

Environmental Science 1 (.5 credit) 

Environmental Science 2 (.5 credit) 

Environmental Science Honors 

Epidemiology 

Forensic Science 1 (.5 credit) 

Forensic Science 2 (.5 credit) 

Introduction to Engineering 

Kinesiology 

Marine Biology 1 (.5 credit) 

Marine Biology 2 (.5 credit) 

Physics 

Physics Honors 

Polymer Chemistry Honors (.5 credit) 

Robotics 

AP ® Biology 

AP Chemistry 

AP Environmental Science 

AP Physics 1 

AP Physics 2 


Life Science Emphasis College-Prep Track 

SCIENCE 

MATH 

GRADE 9 

Choice of two semester long (0.5 

credit) Science Courses OR Biology 

Algebra I 

GRADE 10 

Biology (College Prep) OR 

Science Electives 

Geometry 

GRADE 11 

Chemistry (College Prep) OR 


Algebra II 

GRADE 12 

Physics OR 


Pre-Calculus, Advanced Algebra 

and Trigonometry, Math for College 

Readiness, OR Statistics 



12

Life Science Emphasis Advanced Track 

SCIENCE 

MATH 

GRADE 9 

Biology Honors OR 

AP Biology 

Geometry 

GRADE 10 

Chemistry Honors OR 

AP Chemistry 

Algebra II 

GRADE 11 

AP Chemistry, Physics Honors, 

AP Physics I, AP Biology, OR AP 

Environmental Sciences 

Pre-Calculus OR 

Pre-Calculus Honors 

GRADE 12 

AP Chemistry, AP Physics, AP 

Biology, OR AP Environmental 

Sciences 

AP Calculus AB 




Physical Science Emphasis Regular/College-Prep Track 

SCIENCE 

MATH 

GRADE 9 

Choice of two semester-long (0.5 

credit) science courses OR Biology 

Algebra I 

GRADE 10 

Biology (Regular/College-Prep) 

Geometry 

GRADE 11 

Chemistry OR Physics 

Algebra II 

GRADE 12 

Chemistry OR Physics 

Pre-Calculus, Advanced Algebra 

and Trigonometry, Math for College 

Readiness, OR Statistics 



14

Physical Science Emphasis Advanced Track 

SCIENCE 

MATH 

GRADE 9 

Biology Honors OR AP Biology 

Algebra II OR Algebra II Honors 

GRADE 10 

Chemistry Honors, Physics 

Honors, OR AP Physics I 

Pre-Calculus OR Pre-Calculus 

Honors 

GRADE 11 

Physics Honors, AP Physics I, 

OR AP Physics II 

AP Calculus AB 

GRADE 12 

AP Physics II OR AP Physics C 








World Languages Department 

Studying another language enhances the personal education of our students in many ways. Learning 

a foreign language provides opportunities to communicate with others from many different cultures 

and backgrounds. It opens doors to other perspectives, and helps a student acquire an objective 

view of their own native language. As students progress through the program, they will gain a deeper 

understanding, commitment, and respect for the path to fluency. Our offerings in French and Spanish 

provide a strong foundation for language acquisition, encourage culture exploration, and strive to build 

confidence and motivation for students to continue their world language and cultural studies throughout 

high school and beyond. 

World Languages Course Offerings: 

Spanish I 

Spanish II 

Spanish III 

Spanish IV 

Spanish for Native and Heritage Speakers 1 

Spanish for Native and Heritage Speakers 2 

AP Spanish Language and Culture 

AP Spanish Literature and Culture 

French I 

French II 

French III 

French IV 

AP French Language and Culture 

Social Studies Department 

The Montverde Academy Social Studies Department is composed of a variety of courses geared towards 

the intellectual and civic development of students. The history courses promote an understanding of our 

world and how our current institutions have come to be and how these institutions shape us. However, one 

of the most important functions of democratic education is to create active global citizens who understand 

their world and try to shape those institutions towards a better future. Additional courses in government, 

economics, religion, philosophy and psychology enhance student knowledge and provide them with the 

skills to excel in college and become conscientious global citizens. 

Social Studies Course Offerings: 

Abnormal Psychology (.5 credit) 

African-American Studies (.5 credit) 

American Civil War (.5 credit) 

Economics (.5 credit) 

Economics for Financial Literacy 

Entrepreneurship 1 (.5 credit) 

Entrepreneurship 2 (.5 credit) 

Gender Studies (.5 credit) 

Global Politics (.5 credit) 

Government Honors 1 (.5 credit) 

Government Honors 2 (.5 credit) 

The Holocaust (.5 credit) 

Model UN I 

Model UN II 

Multicultural Perspectives (.5 credit) 

Philosophy 

Psychology (.5 credit) 

Sports Management (.5 credit) 

Sports Psychology (.5 credit) 

US History 

US History Honors 

World History 

World History Honors 

World War II and Cold War 

World Religions 

AP Comparative Government and Politics 

AP European History 

AP Human Geography 

AP Macroeconomics (.5 credit) 

AP Microeconomics (.5 credit) 

AP Psychology 

AP U.S. History 

AP U.S. Government and Politics 

AP Modern World History 

16

Technology Department 

Technology opens more doors for students than any other discipline in today’s world. Learning even 

the basics will help students in virtually any career — from architecture to zoology. Just as we teach 

students the history of our country, how to dissect a frog, or how electricity works, it’s important for every 

21st century student to learn the history of computers, have chance to dissect an app, or learn how the 

Internet works. 

The primary goal of the Computer Science/Technology program at Montverde Academy is to develop 

a base knowledge of how the technology that we use every day works; giving students the ability 

to access, manage, integrate, evaluate, and create and problem solve with information in their core 

subjects. This year the focus is for students to see how a deep understanding of digital technology will 

allow them to productively participate in society. 

Technology Course Offerings: 

(All courses are one semester/.5 credit unless otherwise noted.) 

3-D Design and Printing 

History of Gaming 

Game Theory and Design 

Game Builders I 

Game Builders II 

Game Builders III 

AP Computer Science A (1.0 credit) 

AP Computer Science Principles (1.0 credit) 





Fine Arts Department 

The vision of the Arts at Montverde Academy is: “Growing the Arts one student at a time.” To that end 

all of our offerings and programs are designed around the individual student. This assures each student 

receives a flexible program uniquely tailored to his/her specific needs and interests; thereby allowing the 

maximum growth potential for the individual. This growth should be reflected in increasingly demanding 

curricula and performance expectations, leading to a mastery of the desired Art(s). 

The mission of Montverde Academy Arts is to cultivate aspiring musicians/actors/artists in an 

atmosphere where they have the freedom and guidance to grow in their skills and discipline in a setting 

that fosters creativity, humanity, integrity, passion, and success. 

Fine Arts/Media Arts Course Offerings: 

(All courses are one semester/.5 credit unless otherwise noted.) 

Advanced Ceramics 

Ceramics 

Children’s Theatre 

Crafts 

Dance and Movement 

Drawing I 

Drawing II 

Filmmaking I 

Filmmaking II 

Guitar 

Introduction to Art 

Music Conservatory 

Music Production 

Painting I 

Painting II 

Photography I 

Photography II 

Sports Media 

Studio Art 

Piano Studies I 

Piano Studies II 

Piano Studies III 

Playwriting 

Public Speaking 

Theatre Conservatory 

Theatre Theory 

TV Production Yearbook 

AP ® Music Theory (1.0 credit) 

AP Art History (1.0 credit) 

AP 2-D Art and Design (1.0 credit) 

AP 3-D Art and Design (1.0 credit) 

18

Interdisciplinary Courses: 

AP Seminar (1.0 credit) 

AP Research (1.0 credit) 


https://montverde-public.rubiconatlas.org/Atlas/Browse/View/MapCourseDescriptions 


17235 Seventh Street, Montverde, Florida 34756 | 407.469.2561 | montverde.org | mvasports.com 

updated 9/11/2023

US Curriculum Guide 2023-24

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